USBC bowlers already boosting business

2012-03-15T22:31:45Z2012-03-15T23:08:58Z

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) -

The U.S. Bowling Congress's 5-month long championship is well underway, and local businesses are cashing in on these special guests.

Since their opening ceremony just 34 days ago, hundreds of bowlers spend hours at the lanes, and they spend their off time sampling Baton Rouge cuisine at restaurants like Mestizo. Mestizo owner Jim Uridales says he's see a 10 percent spike in business---so far.

"It's gonna be a solid 10-15 percent increase, easily. The spring is my good time of the year. To have extra people coming through and experiencing dining. I'm very positive about the next three months," said Uridales.

His neighbors across the street at TJ Ribs say they've also noticed more guests.

"I don't know that there's a measure on there," said TJ Ribs owner Kevin Kimball. "It's not a double or tripling of business. We enjoy such a great following here in the community, but it's certainly added business."

Kimball says he and his staff are doing all they can to make sure the bowlers feel welcomed in his restaurant, which is a sports haven here in baton rouge.

"We ordered new server uniforms to incorporate the bowling motifs and what not. We're having fun with it. It gives us an extra little energy and you know, it's a chance to help show off Baton Rouge," said Kimball.

Uridales says these next few months local business and the people of Baton Rouge need to take advantage of the chance we have to show off the capitol city to out-of-towners.

"We don't get this many guests coming through our city for an extended period of time, and we really should be little ambassadors promoting our city and our state," said Uridales.